Original Concept : GῖΦ™
Writer : R. Singh
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The snow falls hard, making it hard to see. Today, my faithful dog Calina and I are hiking this mountain in hopes of reaching the summit. But suddenly the storm comes out of nowhere and sweeps us, turning everything white.
I’m nervous but I keep walking, clutching Calina’s fur for comfort. We can’t see anything, even the trail we were travelling. I begin to worry that we may become lost in this storm forever.
Then, I saw a faint light in the distance. I tug on Calina’s leash, coaxing her to follow me towards it. We plod through the snow, our legs becoming heavier with each step.
Finally, we located the source of the light, a little cave snuggled against the mountainside. Without hesitation, we rush inside to seek shelter from the storm.
« Hello there, » An elderly women said. « Come, warm yourselves by the fire. You are safe here. »
I was relieved beyond words. Calina and I sit down by the fire, allowing the heat to defrost our freezing limbs. The woman gives us food and drink, which we happily accept.
“May I have your name young man?” She asked.
“Mark” I replied without hesitation “And this retriever right here is Calina.”
“That’s a sweet name you got there.” She smiled.
As the storm rages outside, I can’t help but be thankful for this unexpected refuge. Calina settles up next to me, her warmth a soothing presence in the dimly lit cave.
Despite the storm outside, I feel a sense of calm wash over me here by the fire, surrounded by the warmth and company of that woman.
As the darkness set in, the woman sat near the fire, began to doze off, her head nodding forward. Soon, I also feel the weight of sleep dragging on my eyelids.
I dig through my backpack and pull out my sleeping bag, hoping to get some rest. Even if the fire was enough to keep me warm, falling asleep was difficult. I toss and turn, my mind racing with fear and tension of what lies ahead.
Despite my best efforts to go asleep, the sound of the wind howling outside keeps me awake. However, in the calm intervals between sleep and awareness, I feel a light touch on my head.
I open my eyes to see the woman from before, her fingers stroking my hair gently. It’s a simple gesture, yet it makes me feel warm and comfortable. It’s a sense I thought I’d forgotten, but right now, it feels like returning home.
Before I can fully process the feeling, exhaustion overtakes me, and I drift off into a deep sleep.
The next morning, I wake up to see the cave illuminated by soft morning light. But there’s no sign of the blaze or the woman. Instead, I discover perfectly folded clothing, a steel container full of water, and lunch boxes with a message next to them.
I take up the letter and read the carefully handwritten words: « Good luck on your journey. »
I smile, grateful for the unexpected gift, and turn to Calina, who wags her tail in agreement. It warmed my heart even further. She may be gone, but her generosity lives on as a light of hope, leading us along our road.
As I step out of the cave, the first rays of morning sunlight shine through the thick layer of snow left by the storm. As I admire the magnificence of the snow-covered mountains, I notice an elderly guy with his yak in the distance. I excitedly call out to him.
« Hey! » I yell, but the wind seemed to swallow my voice, sweeping it out into the immensity of the mountain.
Undeterred, I proceed to approach the elderly guy and his yak. With Calina trotting diligently at my side, we approach him cautiously, the crunch of snow beneath our feet the sole sound in the quiet morning.
At first, the old man did not appear to hear me. He continues to tend to his yak, oblivious to my presence. But as I got closer, he pauses and glances around, as if he notices something out of place.
Finally, he looks at me and Calina, and a warm grin comes across his aged face.
« Well, hello there, young traveller, » he whispers softly, like the snowflakes. “What brings you to these parts? »
« Hi there! » I respond. « I’m Mark, and this is Calina. »
« What brings you up here, Mark? » the old man inquires, his voice calm and full of interest.
I tell him about my desire to climb the mountain, to stand at the summit and watch the world stretch out below me. Old man pays close attention to everything I say, nodding in agreement.
« That’s quite the ambition, » he remarks, « But you know, there’s a village close to where I live. If you wish, you can join me on my yak. It will be safer than attempting to ascend the peak alone.”
I shake my head adamantly. « Thank you, but my mind is made up. I want to climb this mountain no matter what. »
The old man stares at me seriously and sighs. « Mark, I understand your determination. However, you must proceed with caution. With the recent blizzard, the risk of avalanches has increased significantly. You wouldn’t want to put yourself or Calina in danger, would you?”
I hesitate, feeling uneasy. His remarks make logic, but I can’t give up my ambition that easy.
« I appreciate your concern, sir” I respond, attempting to sound authoritative. « But I need to try. I cannot let fear prevent me from achieving my aim. »
He nods sympathetically. “ I understand, Mark. But if that’s the case then let me help you with whatever I can. What if I told you there is another way? When I was younger, I would choose that path. It not a path to the top, It won’t take you immediately to the summit, but it will bring you closer to your desire and there so safely. «
I Considered his offer while analyzing the benefits and negatives in my head. It’s tempting to choose the safe option, especially with Calina’s safety in mind.
Finally, I nod, a smile forming on my face. « Okay, you’ve convinced me. Let’s take the safe approach. I still want to climb the mountain, but I’ll be happy to take your guidance.”
He returns my grin, relief visible in his eyes. « Good decision, Mark. I will show you the path. But remember that safety comes first. »
The old man reaches into his pockets and takes out a crumpled piece of paper. I lean in, interested about what it is. « What’s that? » I asked, my eyes bright with anticipation.
He unfolds the paper to show a hand-drawn map. « This, » he continues, smiling, « is a chart of the route I used to follow when I was younger. It could come in helpful throughout your travel. »
I excitedly receive the map, thankful for old man’s kindness. « Thank you so much! This will undoubtedly help us find our way. »
With the map safely tucked away in my backpack, Old mangestures for me to climb onto his yak. Calina follows suit, her tail wagging happily as she settles into her spot.
He took the lead, guiding the yak along the snow-covered route. As we travel, Old man tells us stories of his boyhood, presenting a picture of adventure and excitement.
« When I was your age, Mark, I was just like you—full of ambitions and energy, » Old man adds, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
I listen carefully, hanging on every word he says. It’s difficult to envision Old man as anything other than the wise old man he is today, yet I can see him as a youthful explorer, risking the mountains with a glint in his eye.
Old man’s tone becomes more sombre as we continue our trek. « However, as time went, things began to alter. It became increasingly difficult for me to go from one location to another.
I frown my brow in perplexity. « Is it because of ageing? » I inquire, concerned about Old man’s well-being.
Old man shook his head, his look sad. « It’s not only about me, Mark. It is about everyone. « The conditions out here in the mountains are getting tougher by the day. »
I am concerned for Old man and all of the people who live in these mountains. « Why is that? » I asked, my tone just above a whisper.
Old man sighs, his eyes riveted on the white scene ahead. « It’s difficult to tell for certain, but I believe it’s due of the changing climate. Winters are increasing harsher, and summers are getting hotter. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for us to survive out here.
I nod, trying to get my head around the notion. It’s frightening to consider how something as significant as climate change may have such a devastating impact on people’s lives.
« It must be especially difficult for newcomers, » I remark, out loud.
Old man nods in agreement. « You’re correct, Mark. » The hurdles might seem daunting to someone like you who is just starting out on their adventure. But know that you are not alone. There are folks like myself who can aid you along the road. »
With Old man leading the way, I feel a sense of reassurance wash over me. Even though the journey ahead may be tough, I know that with Old man’s guidance and support, I’ll be able to face whatever challenges come my way. It was a heartwarming emotion very similar to that of that, women from before but somehow different.
I wasn’t able to put my mind to it but it was like I have felt those emotions before. It was like a vague memory but I was not able to put my mind onto it.
As Old man leads the route, Calina and I ride along on his yak, admiring the surroundings. But Old man abruptly draws to a halt, his face wrinkled in uncertainty and anguish.
« What’s wrong? » I inquire, my tone tinted with apprehension.
He breathes deeply, his eyes fixated on the route ahead. « This path is different than I recall. It has altered throughout time.”
I look at the map in my hand and compare it to the way front of us. Sure enough, there’s a mistake—the map depicts a curve while the line should be straight.
I brush it aside, believing it’s only a little diversion. But Old man seemed more concerned than before. As we move on, Old man’s anxiety grows. He continues looking around nervously.
The yak then abruptly stops and begins making loud noises, taking Old man along with it. Old man tries to quiet the beast, but it’s ineffective.
Panicked, I get off the yak and take a few steps back, attempting to give them room. Suddnly he heard a cracking noise.
“avalanche!” the old man shouted. But before I know it, snow falls from above, obscuring my view and separating me from Old man and the yak.
« Old man! » I yell, my voice booming off the frozen mountainside. « Where are you? »
There is no reaction, only the sound of wind whistling through the trees.
I feel a knot rise in my throat as I realise Old man and the yak are lost. Panic creeps in as I try to figure out what to do next.
Calina and I were feverishly searching over the snow-covered countryside, our hearts racing with panic, when we heard a faint sound in the distance.
Excitedly, we follow the sound, pushing through the heavy snowdrifts with newfound vigour. Finally, we see Old man, curled on the ground, his face pallid and strained.
« Old man! » I yell, running to his side. « Are you okay? »
Old man glances up at me, his eyes wide with relief. « Thank goodness, Mark”
I assist Old man get to his feet, taking care not to disturb him too much. As we begin to make our way back to safety, I notice something unusual about the yak. It lies on the ground nearby, breathing laboriously and weakly.
« What happened to the yak, Old man? » I inquire, my voice shaking with anxiety.
Old man’s countenance darkens as he observes the yak. « I’m afraid he’s not doing too well, Mark. He got stuck in the snowfall, just like me, and it’s taken its toll on him. »
My heart falls as I recognise the enormity of the issue. Old man and the yak are both in poor shape, and we need to get them care right once.
Old man and I stand at the base of the mountain’s last stretch, and he stares at me seriously.
« Mark, the summit of the mountain is only a few hundred feet above us. » You are so close to realising your dream, » he adds, his voice full of encouragement. « But I won’t be able to accompany you. » You’ll have to do the last ascent on your own. »
His comments struck me like a tonne of bricks. I realise I have a decision to make: should I continue my trip to the top, or do I prioritise bringing Old man and the yak to safety?
As I consider my alternatives, an idea suddenly occurs to me. There is a place nearby where we can get aid. That village that old man talked about in the beginning. With that in mind, I promptly take action.
I grab a rope and begin tying Old man and the yak together, planning to build a makeshift sledge out of some boulders I saw nearby. Miraculously, the pebbles I require are exactly there, as if provided by an invisible power.
But when Old man notices what I’m doing, he attempts to stop me. « Mark, it’s no use, » he says, his voice filled with irritation. « This is a complete waste of time and effort. You should focus on achieving your goal. »
I shake my head adamantly. « You helped me at the start of our adventure, Old man. It would have taken me weeks to reach where I was able to reach with you in matter of hours. Now it’s my turn to aid you. We will get through this together. »
Despite Old man’s complaints, I continue to work, tugging the rope and guiding the homemade sledge down the snowy road. It’s hard work, but I’m determined to complete it. Hours pass, and Old man and I bicker back and forth, neither of us giving up on our individual ambitions.
Old man watches me with a mixture of concern and disbelief. « Mark, you’re crazy, » he says, shaking his head. « That yak weighs nearly 200 kilograms. There’s no way you can move it all by yourself. »
I pause for a moment, sweat dripping from my brow as I catch my breath. « Maybe I am crazy, Old man, » I reply, my voice strained with effort. « But somehow, I’m able to do it. »
Despite Old man’s protests, I continue to push forward, fueled by sheer willpower and the desire to help the old man.
But as the minutes turn into hours and the exhaustion takes its toll, I start to feel my strength waning. My vision blurs, and my legs feel like lead as I struggle to keep moving forward.
« Mark, you need to stop, » Old man says, his voice filled with concern. « You’re pushing yourself too hard. We’ll find another way. »
But I shake my head stubbornly, refusing to give up. « No, Old man, » I say, my voice barely above a whisper. « I made a promise to get you to safety, and I intend to keep it. There is no other way and you know it. If I leave you and that yak right here both of you might die due to the cold. »
With every ounce of strength I have left, I continue to pull the sled forward, each step becoming more agonizing than the last.
And then, suddenly, everything goes black.
When I wake up, I find myself lying on the ground, surrounded by concerned faces. Old man is kneeling beside me, his expression filled with worry.
« Mark, thank goodness you’re awake, » he says, his voice trembling with emotion. « You had us all worried sick. »
As I struggle to sit up, I realize with a sinking feeling that I’m not as strong as I thought I was. The exhaustion has taken its toll, and I know that I pushed myself too far.
Tears well up in my eyes as I look at Old man and the others, realizing the gravity of what happened.
« I’m sorry, » I whisper, my voice barely audible. « I tried to help, but I wasn’t strong enough. »
Old man shakes his head, his eyes filled with understanding. « You did everything you could, Mark, » he says softly. « And for that, we’ll always be grateful. »
As I lay on the ground, surrounded by snow and exhausted, an idea occurs to me. If I can’t get Old man and the yak to the village, at least I can tell the villagers what happened. They may be able to help.
With a sad heart, I tell Calina to stay with Old man, knowing that she will keep him warm and secure. Then, with a fresh feeling of urgency, I headed off for the settlement, holding the map securely in my hand.
But as I make my way down the snowy slope, disaster struck. I fall on a patch of ice and slide down the slope, searing agony down my leg as I land with a bang.
I cry out in pain, gripping my damaged knee as tears fall down my cheeks. But, despite the suffering, I refuse to quit up. With quivering hands, I dig inside my luggage for a metal rod, which I use as a makeshift walking stick to continue my trek.
Every step is torture, but I push myself to keep going, motivated by the notion of assisting Old man and the yak. But as the sun sets and the temperature decreases, I get a terrible sensation that I may have made a serious mistake.
The cold creeps into my bones, and I shudder uncontrollably as darkness falls around me. I attempt to keep walking, but my eyesight blurs and my limbs feel heavy from tiredness.
I slump to the ground, the weight of my failure bearing down on me like a tonne of bricks. Tears freeze on my cheeks as I try to remain awake, knowing that I may not have the strength to make it to the village.
As I lay there on the verge of passing out, I whispered a silent prayer for the old man and the yak, hoping without hope that someone would discover them in time. But deep inside, I know that my trip may be coming to an end. And as darkness falls over me, I can’t help but wish that things had turned out differently……..
Beep…………, Beep………… The sound echoes in my ears, cutting through the cloud of oblivion. I have a stinging ache in my eyes as something dazzling glows in front of me.
Slowly, the world comes into focus. I hear distant and muffled sounds at first, but they gradually get clearer.
“Mark, Mr. Mark, Are you alright? » A man in a white coat inquires.
I blink, attempting to make sense of what is occurring. It takes me a while to realise I am laying in a hospital bed.
« Wh-what’s going on? » I stammer, my voice shaky with confusion. The doctor tells me to calm down, and he shoos everyone else out of the room. Then, he sits down beside me and delivers the news that rocks my world.
« Mark, you’ve been in a coma for the past five years, » he says gently. My heart stops as his words sink in. Five years? How is that possible? I was in the mountains, going to village for help, wasn’t I?
The doctor took a deep breath and nodded. He offred me a glass of water and was quite for a while before I ask for more details, and the doctor explains that it was the midnight of November 27th, 2025, when I fell asleep in the car, due to overwork and exhaustion. I collided with a truck on the highway, and miraculously, my body survived with only a few broken bones and burns. But my mind… that’s a different story.
Tears well up in my eyes as I try to process the enormity of what he’s telling me. Five years of my life, gone in an instant. It’s like I’ve woken up in a different world.
The doctor assures me that I’m safe now, that I’m in good hands. The doctor’s voice sounds comforting as he tells me to relax, but I can’t help but feel a sense of fear growing within me. Five years in coma? It feels like something out of a movie, not something that could happen to me.
But, as I attempt to process everything, the doctor asks me a question that takes me by surprise.
« What did you see while you were in the coma? » he inquires, his gaze seeking mine for answers.
I take a deep breath and try to recollect my fuzzy memories from the coma. Slowly, I begin to piece together parts of my dreams, recalling everything from beginning to end.
As I talk, the doctor listens closely, When I finish, he stares at me carefully. « You know, Mark, everything you described somehow reflects your life. »
I frown my brow in perplexity. « What do you mean? » I asked, my tone just above a whisper.
The doctor sighed, his countenance compassionate. « The woman from your dreams indicates your mother. You lost her at an early age, and her absence has created a gap in your life.”
My heart tightens at the mention of my mother. I had nearly forgotten what it was like to have her in my life, but suddenly her memory comes back with a stinging intensity.
« And the old man… » the doctor says, his voice soft. « That reflects Your father’s illness led you to give up your ambition of becoming a Winter Olympics athlete in favour of a nine-to-five job. There are other aspects of the story you told me of course but you only know the true meaning of everything you told me.”
His words hit me like a punch in the stomach. It’s true—I’d always wanted to stand on the platform and represent my nation on a global scale. But when my father became ill, I had to put my aspirations on wait to care for him.
Now, as I lie in this hospital bed, I can’t help but ponder what would have happened if I had taken a different route.
But when I gaze up into the sky, snow gently falling around me, I see that « Life may steer us away from our dreams at times, but it’s in those detours that we often find our true path. »